Last updated 5 months ago
If you have diabetes, the holidays can be a difficult time to stay healthy. However, there are some simple strategies you can follow at holiday meals so that you are able to manage your blood sugar.
Watch this video to get a look at how to design your plate for better nutrition at every meal. The plate is half filled with fresh vegetables that will offer valuable nutrients and filling fiber.
For more practical tips to prevent complications with your diabetes, visit Riverside Community Hospital. Learn more about our Diabetes Education Program by calling our Consult-A-Nurse healthcare referral line at (951) 788-3463 or visiting our website.
Last updated 5 months ago
Stress is an emotional and physical reaction of the body, and it is a normal part of the human experience that everyone deals with. However, stress can take a toll on your health when you do not step in with stress management techniques to establish a calmer state of mind. The holidays can be a particularly stressful time of year, so now is the time to learn what works to reduce your stress as it occurs. Here are some tried and true healthy techniques that you might consider trying.
Exercise
The physical and emotional feelings associated with stress are triggered by the release of a hormone called cortisol, which is known as the stress hormone. Exercise balances the reactions elicited by cortisol by reducing the brain’s receptiveness to it in the long term. In the short term, exercise can make you feel better because it causes the body to release hormones that improve your mood and promote relaxation.
Positive self-talk
It is easy to let stress take over when you do not pause and take a moment to think about why you are having a reaction to a stressful situation. When you do feel the tension of stress building, take a moment to yourself so you can breathe deeply and collect your thoughts. You can further the calming effect of your break from a situation by speaking some positive words to yourself to change your mindset.
Sleep
Built-up stress can keep you from getting a good night’s sleep, so you may focus more attention on getting rested at night to prepare to take on each new day. Simple changes to your evening routine such as a hot bath, reading a book, or lighting scented candles can make you feel much more relaxed so that you are able to sleep without the pressing burden of stress keeping you up at night.
At Riverside Community Hospital, we can help you find even more strategies to eliminate stress from your holidays with classes including our Healing with Hope Grief Survival Series. Learn more about our classes and events on our website or by calling our Consult-A-Nurse healthcare referral line at (951) 788-3463.
Last updated 5 months ago
If you are looking for helpful tips to make your holidays better for your health, browse the links below. For classes and awareness events to give you even more thoughts on healthy living, contact Riverside Community Hospital online or at (951) 788-3463.
Learn to use healthier ingredients in your holiday meals with this article from the American Diabetes Association.
The CDC discusses how handwashing prevents illness during flu season.
Read this article from the NIDDK for tips on everyday nutrition and physical activity to keep you fit.
The American Heart Association discusses the physical and emotional effects of stress.
Visit the American Psychological Association to learn how exercise reduces stress.
Last updated 5 months ago
If you are in your second or third trimester of pregnancy, you are probably waiting in anticipation for your due date to arrive. To better prepare for this day, you should make a plan for your delivery that you share with your obstetrician so that you can welcome your baby to the world in a way that suits your family. Below is a look at some of the key planning points you might consider.
Birthing techniques
Taking a childbirth class is a great way to learn about the various labor techniques to facilitate vaginal birth. Everyone is unique, so there is no single standard technique that works for all mothers. Therefore, it is worth the time to explore your options and choose one that is comfortable for you.
Pain relief options
It is no secret that childbirth is painful, but this pain is handled differently by all women. You should discuss all your options for pain relief during labor with your doctor so you are able to decide between natural pain relief techniques, medication, or a combination of the two.
First moments with your baby
There are some standard procedures that your birthing center will follow post-delivery, but the order of these events and the specific details may be left to you. For example, you may have the choice of trying to feed your baby immediately after birth or waiting until your baby has spent some time in the nursery. Knowing your preference for the post-birth procedures will be beneficial on the day of your delivery when you may be feeling too tired to think clearly about your decisions.
In the city of Riverside, Riverside Community Hospital is the preferred choice for expectant mothers, as we deliver about 87% of newborns in the community. See why our Family Birthplace is the popular choice of Riverside by visiting our website or calling our Consult-A-Nurse healthcare referral line at (951) 788-3463.
Last updated 5 months ago
Obesity is an epidemic in the United States that has been shown to increase risk for heart disease, stroke, and type-II diabetes. As this video demonstrates, obesity is not a problem that develops overnight. People tend to put on weight gradually, so they don’t notice the stress that excess weight puts on the body. When volunteers walk around the park with 10-20 pound weights on, they see that a little weight makes a big difference.
To get a better look at your heart health and start managing your weight, visit Riverside Community Hospital. Find us online or call our Consult-A-Nurse healthcare referral line at (951) 788-3463 to learn about upcoming classes and events to guide you to better health.
